Buffs could be stronger on defense in August

The six junior college recruits will not arrive at West Texas A&M until August, but when they do the Buffs' defense figures to get a lot better than it already is.

This spring, WT defensive coordinator Haskel Buff is making do with the talent on hand, and after four practices likes what he sees.

"I think those six players will make an impact on our football team in the fall," Buff said. "There is some terrific talent in that group, and they should make us better defensively."

The Buffs' defense was more than adequate last season, despite a disappointing 3-8 record. It was good enough to keep WT in every game it played. The Buffs lost five of eight games by a touchdown or less.

They return six starters, led by linebackers Chaun Thompson, Luke Inman and Tony Lawson. The addition of Hunt, a juco all-America, and Cox figures to make them that much stronger next season.

Defensive line holdovers include John Burnett and Ricko Aguirre, while Jean Dugas, Jimmy Gaston and Terrance Meeks started during the season in the secondary.

Buffs says Bible and Jordan should make the defensive line that much better, while Edwards and Ross will solidify the secondary.

"Our main goal this spring is to develop some depth on the defensive side of the ball," Buff said. "We want our younger players to catch up with the returnees. If that happens, we'll be that much farther along."

Buff said players such as Bo Williams, Ed Grission-Lipsky (linemen) and DeJuan Shamburger (linebacker) will have an opportunity this spring to try and take their game to a higher level.

"Those three could be a big part of our defense next season," Buff said. "But they need to step their game up this spring. If they can accomplish that, we'll be that much better."

The Buffs were able to work out only once last week, because of rain and cold weather on Friday and Saturday. They made up one of the days with a Monday workout this week, and will do the same next week, according to head coach Stan McGarvey.

"We will go non-pads today, then put them on Saturday for a scrimmage-type workout beginning at 10 in the morning," he said.

"We figured the defense would be well ahead of the offense this spring, and that's pretty much the case.

"Offensively, we're still pretty green in areas such as the offensive line and quarterback. I like the progress we're making, but it's going to take time.

"Richard Bailey (a returning starter) is probably our best offensive lineman this spring. Players such as Vic Henning, John Young and Tony Frescaz need to step their play up dramatically."

After Saturday, the Buffs will have nine practices remaining. A spring game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 20 at Kimbrough Stadium, while the final practice will be the next day.

Note: An awards brunch has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on April 15 at the Cole Community Center in Canyon. Various awards will be presented from last season's team. A scrimmage will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the practice field.